Radio personalities Kimberly and Beck suspended indefinitely

They are two of Rochester’s most well-known radio personalities, but now they are in hot water. On Tuesday, Kimberly and Beck, hosts of “The Breakfast Buzz” on 98.9 The Buzz made offensive comments about the transgender community, this after the city announced it would include transgender health benefits for employees. The comments are now getting national attention and now the radio station is taking action.

Entercom Media, the company that owns “The Buzz” has taken swift action. The vice president and general manager issued a statement saying, “Because of Kimberly and Beck’s hateful comments to the transgender community, we have suspended them indefinitely.” Surprisingly, one transgender couple hopes they come back to the airwaves.

Maur Delaney says he has had to grapple with critics for years. He says he’s not alone, pointing to the nearly 40 percent suicide rate among transgender people.

Maur Delaney, Rochester resident, said, "To hear people calling us "nut job" invalidates who we are and completely strips away the humanity that we have. We have so much to offer."

Delaney is a lot happier these days. The transgender Rochester resident is finally living who he believes he was born to be and in a loving relationship with Laine Delaney, who is also transgender. He applauds the city's expansion of its health benefits and was sadly disappointed that just days after the announcement from Rochester City Hall this happened.

Laine Delaney, Delaney's partner, said, "I don't think necessarily firing the radio show hosts is going to send the right message."

Laine Delaney doesn't want to lose this moment to teach people about transgender individuals. She worries if Kimberly and Beck are fired that opportunity might be lost.

Laine Delaney said, “I understand a lot of people want an apology. I wouldn't mind one myself. But I don't think that is as valuable as helping correct the misunderstanding that people have and are perpetuated by segments like this."

There is an online petition with more than 2,000 signatures calling on Entercom Media to fire Kimberly and Beck.

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